Tim Sheehy

Urban Milwaukee Wins Press Club Awards

National journalist James Bennet cites Urban Milwaukee's theater review as fine example of local cultural coverage.

RNC Wants 10,000 Volunteers To Greet Guests, Provide Directions

Not about wearing a red or blue shirt say organizers, it's about making a positive impression.

Longtime M7 Leader Jim Paetsch Announces Retirement; Rebecca Gries to Helm M7 Corporate Attraction and Expansion Efforts

Tim Sheehy appointed to Johnson Financial Group Board of Directors

MMAC President joins Board of Largest Privately Owned Bank in Wisconsin

Move Forward MKE Coalition Honored by Wisconsin Policy Forum for Securing Local Revenue Reform to Avert Fiscal Cliff

Milwaukee County, City of Milwaukee, Greater Milwaukee Committee, and Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce recognized for public-private sector partnership and cooperation

MMAC Shares Achievements, Addresses Challenges, Looks to the Future During 162nd All-Member Meeting

MMAC announces changes in leadership; board members address school funding; workplace equity numbers improve; mayor, county executive honored

Kooyenga Will Take Over MMAC In 2024

Longtime leader Tim Sheehy will retire at year's end.

Robin Vos Sticks It To Milwaukee

He gives Brewers more than they wanted and makes only Democratic parts of metro area pay for it.

County Voters Oppose Brewers Bailout

Poll finds residents oppose subsidy by 2-1 margin, could make a deal even tougher to sell.

How David Crowley Led on Sales Tax

The inside story of how the county exec and mayor helped pass state legislation to save Milwaukee.

Sheehy Says Local Sales Tax Must Help Fund Brewers’ Stadium

Some of new city and county sales tax must be spent on the team, business leader says.

Council Committee Endorses 2% Sales Tax

And blasts state policy restrictions while insisting tax is far from a 'Milwaukee bailout.'

Why State Must Help City and County

Fiscal crisis can only be averted with more state shared revenue and local sales tax.

State Sales Tax Deal Toughest on City

Deal for Milwaukee County far better than for city. Why? Blame police union.

Northwestern Mutual To Create Second Glassy Tower With $500 Million Investment

Company will completely overhaul existing building, create pedestrian street and relocate Franklin employees to Downtown.

Will Vos Kill Shared Revenue Hike For City?

Assembly Speaker's comments blasting Milwaukee worries Mayor Johnson.

Taiwan-U.S. business forum at UWM to look at energy infrastructure challenges amid climate change

Representative Andraca named MMAC ‘Champion of Commerce’

Republicans Name CEO of 2024 Convention

Retired Wisconsin businessman, former U.S. ambassador and longtime GOP leader Steve King will lead host team.

Will Republicans Give Milwaukee a Sales Tax?

Meeting to ‘reset’ relationship between city and state legislators raises doubts, hopes.

Republican Party Officially Selects Milwaukee for 2024 Convention

Milwaukee becomes first city to win back-to-back Democratic and Republican national conventions since 1972

MMAC Freeway Expansion Plan Doesn’t Add Up

It's predicated on a theory of congestion and economic development that has no evidence to support it.

Inside Komatsu Mining’s Massive New Harbor District Campus

P&H parent company swaps a ribbon cutting for a tree planting in opening new factory.

Council Approves RNC Deal, Drops $6 Million Request

Move praised by mayor, convention backers.

Mayoral Race Will Likely Have Low Turnout

Historic race, yet many won’t vote, BLOC not endorsing a candidate.

Brewers Want $100 Million Tax Subsidy?

So claims Journal Sentinel. But where exactly did this figure come from?

City-County Sales Tax Proposal Dead

Push for state legislation will have to wait until 2023, MMAC leader says.

RNC 2024 Team Visits Milwaukee

Milwaukee is now one of three finalists to host Republican convention.

Officials Say Wisconsin Finished Second On $20 Billion Intel Campus

Plus: Comparing the Intel and Foxconn proposals. And a recap of week's real estate news.

State Businesses Offering Worker Incentives

Uline offers new workers year-end bonus of $8,000. Others offer increased pay, flexible work conditions.

Herzing University Moving National Headquarters to Milwaukee’s “The Avenue”

Nonprofit career-focused school returns to founding city; continues business momentum to Westown

Gov. Evers Appoints Tim Sheehy as Chair of the Southeast Wisconsin Professional Baseball Park District Board

Some Milwaukee Businesses Bring Mask Requirements Back

Public health officials recently began recommending that masks be worn indoors in public.

Milwaukee Invited To Apply For 2024 DNC

But some aren't happy the city must bid for convention in the first place.

Surveys Show Return to Pre-Pandemic Activity

MMAC surveys find rising consumer confidence, more workers returning to offices.

Foxconn Shows Folly of Cheesehead Revolution

Walker, Ryan, Priebus pushed business-friendly policies. The result: an abysmal failure.

How The Milwaukee Tool Deal Works

Yes, it's $20 million in city cash for 2,000 downtown jobs, but that barely begins to describe the complex agreement.

The Debate Over Local Sales Taxes

Evers' budget allows local sales tax increases. Will Republican legislators agree?

Why Businesses Support a Local Sales Tax

It’s the best way to assure good services and fiscal stability for Milwaukee.

MMAC Encourages Support for Evers Sales Tax Proposal

Contribution to Cavalier Johnson of $400

Don’t Patronize City’s Bars, Restaurants, DNC Says

DNC organizers ask convention goers to sign pledge to avoid establishments where social distancing isn’t possible.

Can City’s Dismal Ranking for Blacks Improve?

New study suggests city couldn’t get any worse. New effort aims to improve that.

County Parks Lost Funding to Bucks Arena

Business leaders promised to seek funding for parks and museums. Where is it?

MMAC to Move Headquarters to The Avenue

DCD Leader Rocky Marcoux Will Retire

Marcoux has held position for 16 years, survived contentious reappointment battles.

Will Milwaukee Get DNC in 2024?

This year's convention may involve few visitors. Can city push to therefore get 2024 event?

Milwaukee Region’s Business, Health and Science Communities Collaborate to Launch Restart Toolkit for Companies

Medical College of Wisconsin, MMAC and M7 provide guidance to help businesses prepare and protect employees, customers and facilities during COVID-19 pandemic.

MMAC Wants State to Start Reopening Next Week

The group supported Evers original stay at home order that ended April 24.

Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers to Host Third Annual Health Equity Summit

Empower a Healthier Milwaukee

About that Miller Park Economic Impact

New study greatly exaggerates the benefits — as it was expected to do.

Could Strauss Plant Deal Be Revived?

Ald. Johnson working to save deal, Barrett holds out hope, community meeting planned.

Hamilton Keeping Door Open for Strauss

Council president halts move to officially kill deal. "Let's continue the process," he says.

Business Leader Blasts Council on Strauss Deal

Hamilton and council members are to blame for losing hundreds of jobs, Sheehy says.

Milwaukee Area Elected Officials and Community Leaders Propose a New Revenue Solution to Invest in our Communities

An unprecedented partnership will move forward to pursue new revenue solutions that provide property tax relief to residents through a local option sales tax

Tax Hike Would Give City $50 Million Per Year

Barrett says proposed 1% sales tax hike would fund police, fire, streets, property tax relief.

Unique Coalition Seeks Sales Tax Hike

County officials, all 19 municipalities, business leaders back plan to net $160 million per year.

Airport Requests $25.5 Million for Upgrade

Expanded international terminal could draw more flights, passengers.

WisDOT Plans Increase in Hiawatha Service

With $35 million from new budget, WisDOT seeks federal matching grants for expansion.

Foxconn’s Crystal Ball Looks Fuzzy

Company’s smaller footprint has business proponent Tim Sheehy lowering expectations.

Keisha Krumm Leaving Common Ground

Helped push for mortgage foreclosure settlement by banks. New successor named.

Did Business Leaders Fail on Foxconn?

None raised any doubts about a deal that always seemed suspect.

City Wins 2020 Democratic Convention

Barrett and other leaders help city beat out Miami and Houston for national convention.

Abele, Lipscomb Announce Membership of Fair Deal Workgroup

Group includes diverse representation from community leaders seeking to recommend intergovernmental solutions to County funding challenges

Norquist Bashes Inspector General Idea

Council wants its own watchdog. Former mayor says post is unnecessary.

Meet the Finalists for Democratic National Convention

Milwaukee, the first to announce, is one of eight cities bidding.

Common Ground Will Campaign for Living Wage

1,200 activists gather to launch new campaign addressing low wages in Milwaukee.

Will Foxconn Employ Any Milwaukeeans?

Despite nearly $4.1 billion subsidy, company only has goals, not mandates for hiring.

Foxconn Package Returns $18 in Economic Impact for Every $1 in State Incentive

The analysis is based on the state’s tax credit agreement executed with Foxconn on November 10, 2017.

City Bidding for Democratic National Convention

What will the city pitch to Democratic Party?

Foxconn HQ In Downtown Milwaukee

Company building Racine area plant coming here to attract talent, grow new business line.

Mr. Gou – Your Turn

An open letter to the chairman of Foxconn.

County Neglects Parks and Culture

Bucks arena gets millions while parks, museums, zoo decline.

How MMAC Peddles Influence

Milwaukee business group has spent $2.4 million on campaigns and lobbying.

Milwaukee Subsidizes The State

The city gets only 66 cents in state spending for every dollar in state taxes paid.

County Closes Lake Park Bridge

Abele administration cites safety concerns, seeks $2 million in private funds.

Will Some County Parks Be Closed?

Survey from Abele administration offers this as possible solution. But why?

The Battle Over Charter Schools

NAACP declares opposition and is criticized by charter supporters like Howard Fuller.

Where Are Top CEOs on City’s Unrest?

The silence is deafening. But Mayor Barrett says they want to help.

New $22 Million Rail Concourse Opens

Intermodal Station's dark and dingy concourse for boarding trains finally replaced.

The Power of Common Ground

Nonprofit advocacy group has had huge impact on city, though some grumble about their tactics.

Does Anyone Oppose Bus Rapid Transit?

The idea is very unsexy, yet has gained amazingly wide support.

Building a Safer Milwaukee

Crime is a big issue for Millennials, who may have tough questions for Barrett and Flynn.

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $400

Contribution to Ronny Thompson of $150

CEO Pay Drives Inequality, Researcher Finds

Data on Milwaukee CEOs discussed at UWM summit on inequality.

UW-Milwaukee hosts experts discussion of city’s growing inequality

The event takes place at 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, in the Edith S. Hefter Conference Center, 3271 N. Lake Dr.

Bucks Sign Contract for Park East Land

Press conference with Abele celebrates award of 10 acres of county land for $1 and big dreams.

Common Ground’s $30 Million Victory for City

Pressure on Bucks owner Wes Edens results in Nationstar’s $30 million pledge to prevent foreclosures.

Wisconsin’s Rotten Return on Federal Taxes Paid

New report shows we’re the fourth worst state in federal spending received. Walker’s policies don’t help.

Sheehy Defends MMAC

He takes issues with latest column in Murphy's Law.

MMAC Plays Hardball on Bucks Arena

A misleading poll, pressure on legislators and more misinformation are all used to sell the NBA arena.

Charter School Leaders Say Oversight Needed

Republican plan for Milwaukee would allow high-performing charter schools to replicate without any approving authority.

Indianapolis Comes to Bay View?

New $40 million, 307-apartment proposal for Bay View offered only a rendering of an Indianapolis project by the developer. When do we get the full package?

Streetcar Signing Is Quite a Celebration

The mayor, business leaders and pols toasted the streetcar in Cudahy's Irish Pub, with Michael Cudahy on hand.

Who Is Funding the Anti-Streetcar Effort?

Ald. Bauman and others are certain that dark money is pouring in for this, which streetcar opponents deny.

Dispute Over Bucks Arena Goes National

New York Times dumps on Milwaukee business leaders, and city becoming divided on issue.

Zepnick blasts latest MMAC proposal to hit Milwaukee taxpayers

Rep. Josh Zepnick said the latest MMAC proposal to force referendums to raise taxes in Milwaukee is a disaster waiting to happen.

10 Reasons To Build Bucks Arena on Wisconsin Ave.

Building the new arena where Boston Store is located could have huge advantages for the team and the city.

Tim Sheehy’s Traditional Home

He is working to keep the Bucks in Milwaukee for as long as he's lived in Fox Point.

Will Republicans Support a Bucks Bailout?

It can’t get done without GOP legislators, but they have deeply felt reasons for opposing any deal.

Visiting Leaders Pitch Pro Stadiums — And Transit!

MMAC organized event to sell NBA arena, but speakers from Cleveland, Denver and OKC said Millenials want transit, too.

New 18-Story Downtown Building Breaks Ground

The $102 million, 18-story tower at 833 E. Michigan is huge development, with no city financing. The full story, with photos and building renderings.

Downtown Power Brokers Mull Expanded Convention Center

Leaders of Wisconsin Center and the Bradley Center consider key changes for downtown facilities.

Common Ground Will Fight New Bucks Owners If No “Fair Play”

Group serves notice: any plan for new arena must include $200 million for children's playgrounds and athletic fields.

Walker Delays On Three Tough Issues

No decision before election on new Bucks arena, proposed Kenosha casino and how to fund new highway construction.

$1 Billion Needed for Milwaukee Facilities

Public Policy Forum study says $400 million needed for NBA arena, $300 million for convention center and rest for other facilities.

Why a Regional Tax is Needed

A regional tax for amenities like Milwaukee’s zoo and art museum is needed. Will they benefit from effort to help the Milwaukee Bucks?

New Moves to Bail Out the Bucks

Bradley Center and business leaders search for a clever way to subsidize the NBA team.

The Myth of the Welders Shortage

Journal Sentinel claims it’s because MATC does a poor job of training workers. Is that true?

Two-Thirds of School Recreational Facilities are Inadequate

Study by Common Ground also demands children's facilities be fixed as part of any deal for new Bucks arena.

Activists Demand New NBA Arena Include Funding for Kids

No new Bucks arena without fixing schools' rundown fields and inadequate recreation facilities, says Common Ground.

Mayor Says Streetcar is “Trojan Horse”

Streetcar will be first leg of what he hopes will be a more extensive rail system.

Abele, Barrett and Other Milwaukee Leaders Urge Legislature to Restore Transit Funding

A coalition of Milwaukee leaders are sending a letter to lawmakers in Madison asking them to restore cuts in transit funding and requesting that they maintain the segregated Transportation Fund.

The World According to Tim Sullivan

The business leader's unproven idea of a “skills gap” is misleading state policymakers.

Supervisors Meet to Highlight Local Economy

MMAC President Tim Sheehy to Present “Building a Partnership for Economic Prosperity”

Republicans Sneaking Bill on Same Day Registration?

Voters would probably oppose it, so GOP needs to pass the legislation very, very quietly.

The Eternal Stadium Tax

It was originally supposed to end two years ago, but the Miller Park sales tax just goes on and on.

Did Donovan Make Bauman Soil His Pants?

Another week, another Ald. Donovan anti-streetcar press conference. Plus: will the Bucks get a new owner and new arena? And: East Side zoning changes and the return of the Downtown Trolley loop.

The Game and The Players

Understanding the discussion around Milwaukee transit requires an understanding of who has the keys to unlock the federal funds to improve and expand the existing system. We need to lay some groundwork before any discussion on the actual proposals can start.

Tower De Force

Mandel’s Groundbreaking High Rise

Lavender, Black and Green

The Green Party’s national convention will be in Milwaukee this week, with voting by delegates to be held on Saturday. The big question: will the outfit endorse Ralph Nader? This vexing question will put Milwaukee, however briefly, once again in the national spotlight. The party has endorsed the formation of several subgroups including the Black Greens, and the Lavender Greens. The first group consists of African-American members of the party, and the second with its Gay, Lesbian, Transgendered and “Intergendered” (a new one for me) members. As of May there were 297,964 registered greens from 22 states, along with an undetermined number from states like Wisconsin where voter registration does not specify political party. Candidates for the party include four for U.S. Senate, 38 for the House of Representativees, one for Governor, one for Lieutenant Governor and 94 for State Legislatures. According to the party, at least 204 Greens hold office in 27 states, including Wisconsin. Nader, who received the party’s nomination in 2000, has 50 delegates thus far, behind David Cobb, with 194 and Peter Camejo with 112. Over 200 delegates support none of the above or are uncommitted. Nader wrote the party in March to say “I am running as an Independent and am not seeking nor accepting the Green Party nomination. If you do not choose a presidential candidate in Milwaukee, I would welcome your endorsement.” You can figure out for yourself whatever that means. Whomever the candidate, the party promises to run television ads in the presidential race, another first. One of the featured speakers at a post-convention rally will be Frank P. Zeidler, a former presidential candidate himself (Socialist Party) and reason enough to attend the event. A Man in a Hurray: Marc “Leadfoot” Marotta Department of Administration head Marc Marotta has a date in the Jefferson County intake court on June 29th at 9 a.m. in conjunction with his citation on May 24th for speeding on the freeway. The 41-year old attorney and former basketball star was busted for exceeding the speed limit by 20 – 24 miles per hour, an offense that carries a $255.40 bond. Officer Michael Meyers of the Jefferson County Sheriff Department collared the Mequon resident after clocking him going 21 miles over the limit. Earlier this year, on February 25th (the day after Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager was busted for drunk driving) Peter Moe of the State Patrol cited Marotta for speeding on the freeway, also in Jefferson County. It was a more easy-going Marotta that time, since he was caught speeding 16 – 19 miles per hour above the speed limit. On April 22nd, that charge was amended to Speeding on Freeway 1 – 10 miles above the limit. Marotta pled no contest to that charge and was fined $181. The vigilant officer Moe also noted that Marotta, a senior government official, had expired plates (PUR108), so we assume it is his personal vehicle in which he was hot-rodding, but that charge was dismissed. His attorney was Michael […]

Art Dealer in Jail

Don’t bother calling Kennedy Fine Arts in Northbrook, Illinois. Don’t even try to leave a message, because the voice mailbox is full. Of course, it is easy to see why – James F. Kennedy, the art dealer, has been sitting in the Milwaukee County jail without bail since May 7th, and it looks like he’ll be there at least until a hearing date on May 18th, according to a jail spokesperson. (According to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access, Kennedy’s offense occurred May 10th.) He is charged with a felony under statute 976.03(13), “extradition – arrest prior to requisition.” Milwaukeeworld.com told you two weeks ago that an individual was trying to peddle fake Picassos in the Milwaukee area. Although Kennedy is held on an unrelated out-of-state warrant, he is the fellow who was trying to pass off the fakes in our community. Apparently police did not have enough evidence to charge him with a crime in the matter – mere possession of fake artwork is not a crime, and there was insufficient evidence he had tried to sell the works, they say – Kennedy’s van was seized along with some 300 works of art that were allegedly fakes. He was arrested on Milwaukee Street, and is from Northbrook, Illinois. It is doubtful that Kennedy was the author of the fakes, and it is likely that he is a player in a much larger art fraud ring. So, just to remind you once again, if you have purchased any “Picasso” drawings in the last couple of weeks, contact a reputable art dealer or law enforcement authorities. Kennedy was born on May 17, 1957, so it looks like he will be spending his birthday in jail. Concordia Gets Bush President George W. Bush visited the Ozaukee County megalopolis of Mequon Thursday to deliver the commencement address at Concordia University at the Lutheran school’s very secure lakeside campus. Milwaukeeworld correspondent Patrick C. Horne, a Mequon resident, was at the intersection of Port Washington Road and Highland Road where Bush supporters and detractors hoped the presidential motorcade would pass. Of course, it didn’t, since the president’s motorcade traveled along Lake Shore Drive, far removed from the supporters, detractors, and reality. “We’ve got protestors on one side and the republicans on the other side,” Horne said via cellular telephone while awaiting the motorcade’s non-arrival. “We’ve got TV people on the other side, we’ve got Secret Service, we’ve got Germantown, Milwaukee, Ozaukee County, all sorts of people, all sorts of squads, all sorts of everything. Now, the mystery is which way he’s going to come in. I hope they take our President on LSD.” [Editor’s note: LSD is Mequon slang for Lakeshore Drive.] According to Horne, there was a good deal of “ranting and raving back and forth” between the President’s supporters and detractors. “’Give him four more years.’ ‘No, give him five more months,’” they chanted, he said. “Lot of Republicans,” Horne said. “’Oh! I forgot my flag!’ ‘Oh! Don’t they have anything better to do […]

Why Did Chief Jones Protect a Man With a Violent Record?

Earlier this week, Milwaukee Police Chief Jones used his power to protect Wendell Jones, the husband of County Supervisor Elizabeth Coggs-Jones.